36 Easy Summer Hairstyles That Are Trending in 2025

Cute summer hairstyles don’t need to be time-consuming. Ahead, we’re sharing 36 easy, on-trend hairstyles to match any summertime vibe.

By Jenny Sluzewski & Powered By L’Oreal Professional Products Division

Update Date: 14 Jan 2025

Introduction

With summer just around the corner, there’s so much to get excited about—like sunny days spent by the pool, weekend trips to the beach, and your favorite cute summer hairstyles. It’s the perfect season to let your hair down (figuratively and literally) with laidback, sweat-proof styles that keep you looking fabulous while feeling comfortable in the blazing summer heat.

If you’re feeling inspired to shake up your styling routine this summer, we’ve got you covered. Ahead, we’ve compiled a list of easy hairstyles that are trending this summer. Whether you want to elevate your summer ‘do with bright accessories or prefer to lean into protective hairstyles, these 36 looks will help get you through the season in style.

What Hairstyle Is Best for Summer?

While there’s no single best hairstyle for summer 2024, there are a few looks you’ll probably want to keep in your styling rotation. Hairstyles that get your hair out of your face and off your neck are often go-to picks when dealing with scorching temperatures and high humidity.

Classic summer hairstyles include casual updos, buns, ponytails, pigtails, and braids. They should look effortless and stylish but not be overly time-consuming. Many people love to incorporate claw clips, barrettes, butterfly clips, and colorful scarves as a way to upgrade their looks.

Which Hairstyles Are On-Trend This Summer?

This summer, we can expect to see many of spring’s biggest hair trends continuing—especially retro looks like bouncy ‘90s blowouts and bubbly ponytails. The “wet look” will also still be trending this summer, with many celebrities and influencers continuing to embrace the mermaid-esque style.

Newer trends to look out for this summer include sleek, braided ponytails, ‘90s-inspired chunky headbands, twisted buns, layered braids, and easy updos with claw clips and tendrils. When in doubt, there are also a few cute summer hairstyles that never go out of style—like messy buns, classic French twists, or textured, beachy waves.

Summer Hairstyles for Short Hair

Chunky ‘90s Headband

One trend you can expect to see everywhere this summer is ‘90s-era chunky fabric headbands. These headbands are perfect for sweaty summer days when you can’t deal with your hair hanging in your face. Plus, they’re super-versatile and look great with any hair texture—especially natural curls and coils.

Voluminous Pixie

If you’re sporting a short pixie haircut this summer, try experimenting with volume. Starting with damp hair, apply a volumizing mousse—like Matrix Setter Mousse—to your strands and comb through with a wide-tooth comb. Blow dry your hair, then create flat iron curls (curling away from your face). To finish the look, apply Matrix Overachiever 3-in-1 and add a few spritzes of Matrix Fixer Hairspray.

Oversized Barrettes

Short hair always pairs well with cute accessories, like oversized barrettes. These trendy hair accessories are one of the fastest and easiest ways to elevate any summer hairstyle—just style your mane, clip in some barrettes, and you’re ready for a summertime adventure.

Loose Waves

Loose, casual waves look great with any short haircut, but they’re especially flattering on chunky, layered bobs. For this summer style, begin by spritzing your mane with a heat protectant spray, then curl 1-inch sections of hair around a curling wand or flat iron (like L'Oréal Professionnel Steampod). To finish, reach for a texturizing spray—we personally love the Redken Beach Spray for beachy texture and volume.

Flipped-Out Ends

Channel the ‘60s this summer with flipped-out ends (a.k.a the “hair flip”). This playful hairstyle is currently very on-trend, and it’s simple to recreate on short hair. To get the look, follow the tutorial in this article: How To Style Flipped Out Ends Like a Pro.

Glass Hair

Fight back against frizz this summer with the glass hair trend. This glossy look instantly elevates short haircuts like blunt bobs, asymmetrical lobs, and kitty cuts. Creating the sleek, smooth style is simple if you have the right shine-boosting products—we recommend Redken Shine Flash Spray and Kérastase Chroma Absolu Soin Acide Chroma Gloss.

Mini Half-Up Fishtail

Nothing screams summer like a hairstyle inspired by mermaids—especially when paired with vibrant pastel hair colors. If you have hair that’s around shoulder-length (or you wear extensions), this half-up fishtail braid might be the perfect beach day look for you.

Summer Hairstyles for Mid-Length Hair

Wet Hair Look

The wet hair look has been having a moment lately, with influencers and celebrities alike showing off smooth, frizz-free strands. This trendy style is easy to recreate, and, best of all, it keeps flyaways out of your face.

You’ll need to layer a few products onto damp hair to really maintain a wet appearance all day long. This could include gel, cream, pomade, and hairspray, but the right combination depends on your hair type and texture. Head to our wet look hairstyle guide for more tips on how to perfect this summer style.

Windblown Waves

Windblown waves are a timeless style that can leave you feeling like you just stepped off the beach. To create the look on naturally wavy, medium-length hair, apply Mizani Lived-In Finishing Spray on second-day (or third-day) hair, scrunch, and let your natural texture work its magic.

Retro Side Part Ponytail

Bouncy, retro ponytails with curled ends are another trendy look you can expect to see everywhere this summer. Pair this fun, feminine hairstyle with a deep side part and some colorful hair clips, then finish the look with Matrix High Amplify Proforma Hairspray.

Scarf Headband

Scarves can be styled so many different ways, which makes them the perfect summertime accessory. They’re great for adding a fun pop of color to any slicked-back ponytail, braid, or sweat-proof summer style. You can also use them to help disguise bad hair days—just tie a scarf around the top half of your head as a bandana or try tying your hair up in a protective headwrap.

Bantu Knots

Bantu knots (a.k.a Zulu knots) are a great way to help protect coily hair this summer. The hairstyle has been around for centuries, with roots dating back centuries to the African Zulu tribes. When sporting this look, it’s important to keep your knots (and scalp) hydrated and nourished. We recommend picking up Kérastase Initialiste Hair & Scalp Serum and Mizani 25 Miracle Nourishing Hair Oil to do just that.

Glossy Low Bun

Keep it classy this summer (while keeping your strands out of your face) with a sleek, sophisticated low bun. This classic hairdo never goes out of style, and it’s one of the best ways to keep a frizzy mane under control. Just be sure to use a hair gel, like the Redken Max Sculpting Gel, for lasting control and a glossy, shiny finish.

Milkmaid Braids

For those seeking a romantic, classy hairstyle for medium-length hair, try this easy braided updo. This style works great on thin hair that lacks body and volume. To create the look, start by creating two braided pigtails and secure each braid with a clear elastic. Then, bring one braid up across your part and pin it up near your ear. Repeat on the other side, then gently pull the braids apart for a loose, casual finish.

Dutch Braids

Dutch braids give off a stylish, youthful, and playful vibe that will remind you of your favorite childhood summers. To get the look, follow the seven steps in this Dutch braid tutorial.

Waterfall Braid

This boho look is sure to impress at summertime concerts, weekend getaways, and any other photo-worthy occasion. It features a loose waterfall braid (which looks like a half French braid) that cascades down the back of your hair. The look tends to pair best with natural waves and texture, so don’t forget to grab a texturizing product when creating this hairstyle—we recommend Pureology Style + Protect Texture Finishing Spray. Although it may look intimidating at first, our waterfall braid tutorial breaks it all down step by step.

Mermaid Accessories

You can channel your inner mermaid this summer without committing to a fantasy hair color or learning how to create a fishtail braid. Try adding some mermaid-inspired accessories to any cute summer hairstyle, like seashell hair clips, aqua-colored hair tinsel, or starfish bobby pins.

Scrunched Beach Waves

Beach waves look gorgeous all year long, but they are undoubtedly one of the most iconic summer hairstyles. If your hair is naturally wavy, simply spray a texturizing finishing spray onto second-day hair and scrunch to achieve the perfect beachy wave look.

Twisted Half-Up Crown

Another boho-chic style for long hair is the twisted half-up crown. Starting on one side of your head, gather a 2-inch section of hair near your temple and split the section in two. Then, twist the two pieces around each other (creating a rope pattern) and secure the hair at the back of your head with bobby pins. Repeat on the other side, add a few spritzes of hairspray, and you’re all set!